How to Pick the Right OB-GYN

How to Pick an Ob Gyn When Pregnant

Pregnancy is one of the most personal experiences a person can go through—joyful, unpredictable, and deeply emotional. Whether it’s your first time expecting or you’re adding another child to your growing family, one of the earliest and most important decisions you’ll make is choosing who will care for you and your baby during the months ahead. And that brings us to a critical question: how to pick the right OB-GYN.

This decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right OB-GYN for your best friend may not be the right one for you, and that’s okay. Your priorities, health needs, and personal comfort all come into play when selecting the physician who will walk alongside you from your first prenatal appointment to the day you deliver.

This guide will walk you through the practical and emotional considerations to help you pick a provider you trust, feel safe with, and feel supported by—because the right care can make all the difference in your pregnancy journey.

Understanding the Role of an OB-GYN

Before diving into how to pick the right OB-GYN, let’s take a moment to clarify what OB-GYNs actually do. An OB-GYN, short for obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in both obstetrics (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care) and gynecology (women’s reproductive health more broadly).

This means they’re qualified to handle everything from annual pelvic exams and Pap smears to prenatal ultrasounds, high-risk pregnancies, C-sections, and postpartum recovery. Some OB-GYNs also offer long-term care, including birth control counseling, fertility evaluations, and menopausal support.

In short, your OB-GYN isn’t just your pregnancy doctor. In many cases, they become your go-to provider for reproductive health throughout much of your life.

Step 1: Define What Matters Most to You

When it comes to how to pick the right OB-GYN, one of the first steps is getting clear on your priorities. These might include:

Experience with high-risk pregnancies
Support for natural birth or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
Access to a specific hospital or birthing center
Shared values around birth plans, medication, and interventions
Cultural or religious sensitivity
Gender preference of the provider
Long-term patient-doctor relationship potential

Write down what matters most to you—not just medically, but personally. Your comfort and trust are just as important as their resume.

Step 2: Start with Recommendations (But Don’t Stop There)

Family, friends, and even co-workers can be a great source of information when you’re trying to figure out how to pick the right OB-GYN. Hearing firsthand experiences can give you a sense of what to expect and whether a doctor’s style aligns with your own needs.

But every pregnancy and every person is different. Use recommendations as a starting point, not the finish line. What worked for someone else may not work for you, and vice versa.

If you’re new to an area or don’t know anyone with a recent pregnancy experience, online reviews can help, though they should be taken with a grain of salt. Look at consistent trends in feedback rather than one-off complaints or glowing reviews.

Step 3: Verify Credentials and Board Certification

Now that you’ve narrowed down a few names, it’s time to dig into their background. When figuring out how to pick the right OB-GYN, credentials are a non-negotiable.

Look for:

Board Certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG)
Medical School and Residency History
Years of Experience in Practice
Hospital Affiliations
Specialties, such as maternal-fetal medicine or reproductive endocrinology, if applicable

Board certification means your OB-GYN has passed rigorous exams and maintains ongoing education. It’s a mark of professionalism and up-to-date knowledge.

You can usually verify certification through the ABOG website or your state’s medical board.

Step 4: Consider Logistics—Because Life Happens

A great doctor is only helpful if you can actually get to them. When choosing your OB-GYN, think about:

Office Location: Is it convenient to your home or work?
Office Hours: Do they offer early, late, or weekend appointments?
Wait Times: Are patients often seen on time, or do appointments run late?
Availability for Questions: Can you contact them between visits with concerns?
Hospital Access: What hospital(s) are they affiliated with? Do those hospitals have good reputations for labor and delivery care?

These logistical details can affect everything from prenatal appointments to your experience on delivery day. Make sure the setup works with your life, not just your medical needs.

Step 5: Schedule a Consultation

Many OB-GYNs will offer an introductory consultation before you officially become a patient. This is your chance to meet face-to-face (or via telehealth), ask questions, and see how it feels to interact with them.

Here are a few things to pay attention to:

Do they listen without rushing you?
Do they explain things clearly and respectfully?
Do they seem comfortable with your preferences (like epidurals, doulas, or birth plans)?
Do they support shared decision-making, or do they seem overly directive?

The right OB-GYN won’t just be medically competent—they’ll also help you feel empowered, respected, and heard.

Step 6: Ask About Practice Structure

When considering how to pick the right OB-GYN, you’ll want to understand how their practice operates. Not all OB-GYNs are in solo practice. Many are part of a group or clinic.

Important questions to ask include:

Will I see the same OB-GYN throughout my pregnancy?
Who will be there when I deliver?
What happens if you’re unavailable when I go into labor?
Can I meet the other doctors in your practice beforehand?

Some women prefer continuity of care with one provider; others are fine meeting multiple doctors as long as they feel confident in the group. There’s no right answer—it just depends on your comfort level.

Step 7: Look Into Postpartum Support

Your relationship with your OB-GYN doesn’t end at delivery. Postpartum care is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of maternal health.

When evaluating how to pick the right OB-GYN, ask what kind of postpartum support they offer, such as:

Six-week postpartum visits
Help with breastfeeding issues
Mental health screenings for postpartum depression or anxiety
Guidance on contraception and recovery

It’s reassuring to know your provider will continue to care for your health even after the baby is born.

Step 8: Review Insurance Coverage

Let’s not forget the financial side of the equation. OB-GYN care can be expensive, especially if complications arise, so understanding what your insurance covers is critical.

Call your insurance provider to confirm:

Whether the OB-GYN is in-network
Which hospital(s) are covered
What’s included in prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum visits
Co-pays and out-of-pocket limits

The last thing you want during pregnancy is a surprise bill. A quick check upfront can save you a lot of stress later.

Step 9: Trust Your Gut

There’s plenty of data, but sometimes it all comes down to a feeling. You might be unable to explain why you trust one doctor over another, but if something feels off, don’t ignore it.

Your pregnancy journey is deeply personal. You deserve a provider who respects your body, voice, and goals. If you’re unsure after your first visit, keep looking. When you’ve found the right OB-GYN, you’ll know.

Partnering with OB2me

Still unsure how to navigate all this? That’s where OB2me comes in.

Our mission is to help parents-to-be feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their pregnancy. Whether you’re early in your first trimester or already prepping your hospital bag, we’ll help you find the provider that meets your unique needs.

From explaining insurance plans to connecting you with board-certified OB-GYNs near you, OB2me is more than just a resource—we’re your partner in this important stage of life.

Contact OB2me today to learn how we can support you in picking the right OB-GYN and building a birth experience you’ll feel good about.

FAQs

What should I ask during my first OB-GYN appointment?

Ask about their approach to prenatal care, labor and delivery, emergency procedures, postpartum support, and their general philosophy on pregnancy.

Can I switch OB-GYNs if I’m unhappy with my care?

Yes. You can switch providers at any point during your pregnancy if you feel your needs aren’t being met.

What’s the difference between a midwife and an OB-GYN?

OB-GYNs are medical doctors trained to manage pregnancy and complications, while midwives often take a more holistic approach and are ideal for low-risk pregnancies.

How do I know if my OB-GYN is a good fit?

You should feel heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions. A good fit is someone whose medical expertise and communication style align with your values and preferences.